Active Directory DS Forest

Introduction

A Windows Deployment Services server must be either a member of an Active Directory Domain Services domain or a domain controller for an Active Directory Domain Services domain. The Active Directory Domain Services domain and forest versions are irrelevant; all domain and forest configurations support Windows Deployment Services.

Installation Methods

When installing Active Directory Domain Services Forest on a machine that already is running Windows Server® 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, use any of the following methods:

For detailed Step-by-step guidance on installing Active Directory for all the Directory Services (Forest, Child Domain, and Domain Tree), refer to "Steps for Installing AD DS". This guide provides step-by-step instructions for installing Active Directory Domain Services (AD DS) in all configurations, including instructions for installing it on a full installation or a Server Core installation of Windows Server 2008 R2. It provides the Windows interface, command-line, and answer file methods for performing installations.

The process for performing an unattended installation of AD DS is the same for a server that is running a full installation of Windows Server 2008 R2 or a Server Core installation. The unattended method of installation is required for a Server Core installation.